Cold Chocolate ~ 2019 March 2 ~ South Shore Folk Music Club ~ Duxbury, MA
Band Personnel: Ariel Bernstein, drums, percussion, harmony vocals; Paul Chase, upright bass; Ethan Robbins, electric and acoustic guitars, vocals.
Videos
Review
The three-man band calling themselves Cold Chocolate put on an entertaining show of mostly original tunes. They also did a few covers, including a fun bluegrass version of "One After 909." Bandleader Ethan Robbins explained that the name of the band comes from his childhood experience of visiting his grandfather and making a beeline for the frozen treats Grandpa kept on hand.
Singer/songwriter/guitarist Ethan Robbins has a pleasant singing voice that blended beautifully with that of his backup vocalist, drummer Ariel Bernstein. Ethan played electric guitar for most of the show, switching to the acoustic for a few numbers, including an acoustic song that the threesome performed for the encore while standing at the front of the stage. The band is working on a new album and played a few new songs. Their style, like that of so many bands, is a little hard to pinpoint. There are elements of folk, bluegrass, jug band music, Americana, and a hint of rock 'n' roll combined into a blend that is tuneful, melodic, and fun.
One of the most entertaining aspects of this live show was being able to watch the drummer, Ariel Bernstein. His drum kit was set up at the front of the stage in line with the other musicians, and because Ariel was sitting sideways facing his bandmates, everything he was doing was visible to the audience. Drummers are almost always behind the rest of the band, and they're usually facing the audience so that their drums conceal what they're doing with their hands and feet. It was really fun to watch him go to town on his somewhat minimalist drum kit. I wish more bands would set up their drummer this way.
This was my first visit to the new location of the South Shore Folk Music Club, at the First Parish Church, Duxbury, MA, just a short distance up Route 3A from their previous location in Kingston. There is plenty of parking out back, the concert hall itself is roomy and comfortable, and the volunteer staff are friendly and helpful. Brownies and coffee for sale for a dollar during the intermission complete the folk venue ambience. I am sure Concert Going Partner and I will be returning there soon for another concert.
Click for 2019 Concert Page with links to all 2019 concerts ... Click for Main Concert Page with links to all years